Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

BACHATA

A new Latin music, descended from the Bolero ballad style, rooted in Spanish-derived African-influenced fusion from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, later Mexico. Bolero was exported to Europe and has been influential in a slowed-down style at least since the 1920s; see that entry.

Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic as a folkish, romantic evolution of bolero, with Antony Santos a legendary exponent. It hit the Latin charts as played by the Bronx-based quartet Aventura, all of whom are named Santos, and who may very well cross over into the mainstream. The first collaboration by Romeo and Lenny was Generation Next in 1999. Henry, Romeo's cousin, came from DR at age 13; the others are all Bronx-born, bassist Max completing the group. Their album The Last (June 2009) was immediately the best-selling Latin album of the year, 'Obsession' an international hit. Romeo and Henry aren't related to Lenny or Max, and none of them is related to Antony.